WellSpan Health today announced the launch of the first and only breast milk donation and access center in York County, which is locatedat WellSpan Pediatric Medicine – S. Queen St. in York. This initiative, in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank (MAMMB), marks an important steptoward improving maternal-child health outcomes and increasing breastfeeding rates across Central Pennsylvania. The center will serve as a hub for donor milk access, lactation supportand community education.

“At WellSpan we’re committed to working with community partners to improve access to care, and this human milk bank is an excellent example of that collaboration in action,” said Megan Lecas, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the WellSpan Medical Group. “Patients struggling with breast feeding in our communities can be confident that WellSpan can and will provide the services and support that ensure their care journey is successful every step of the way.”

The center, co-located with WellSpan Breastfeeding Services at 2050 S. Queen St. in York, provides pasteurized donor human milk by prescription. It serves as both a drop-off site for screened donors and a pick-up location for families in need. This service offers a medically necessary, lifesaving supplement rich in anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties to infants that can reduce complications, shorten hospital stays and improve long-term health outcomes.

“Breast milk provides the perfect balance of nutrients tailored to a baby’s developmental needs and is easier to digest than formula,” said Dr. Carlos Roberts, vice president and chief medical officer of the Women’s & Children’s service line, WellSpan Health. “Breastfed babies have a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and gastrointestinal issues.”

All breast milk donors are rigorously screened by MAMMB for conditions including Hepatitis B and C and Human T-lymphotropic virus, ensuring the safety of every donation.

Medicaid beneficiaries can receive donor breast milk prescriptions at no cost, and many commercial insurance plans also cover these prescriptions fully, removing financial barriers for families.

Individuals interested in obtaining a prescription for the milk should speak to their WellSpan provider.To learn more about WellSpan breast feeding services and for individuals interested in donating to the milk bank, visithttps://www.wellspan.org/conditions-and-treatments/breastfeeding-support.